WASHINGTON, D.C. -

The American International Automobile Dealers Association on Thursday named Pennsylvania dealer and U.S Rep. Mike Kelly winner of its Legislative Action Network Advocacy Award.

The award, given at the AIADA’s Fifth Annual International Auto Industry Summit held in Washington, D.C., recognizes Kelly’s dedication to advocating on behalf of AIADA’s dealer members, the association stressed.

“Rep. Kelly has taken dealer involvement — which is the cornerstone of AIADA’s work in Washington, D.C. — to a new level. His leadership in the dealer community, and now in the halls of Congress, has shed light on the federal policy and legislative issues that impact dealers’ ability to serve as economic engines in their local communities,” said Cody Lusk, AIADA president.

“I can think of no one more deserving of AIADA’s L.A.N. Advocacy Award,” Lusk added.

The AIADA’s Advocacy Award is presented by its grassroots initiative called the Legislative Action Network. This award is allotted to AIADA members who have tirelessly worked to improve awareness in Washinton, D.C., on issues that impact America’s international automobile franchises on a daily basis, the association noted.

Kelly employs over 100 people in his home community of Butler, Penn., at his dealership that includes both Hyundai and Kia Franchises.

In the past, he also served as the vice chairman of the Hyundai National Dealer Council and chairman of the Hyundai Eastern Region Dealer Council.

Moreover, Kelly was previously the secretary and treasurer of Hyundai’s “Hope on Wheels” program, which has donated more than $14 million to combat childhood cancer to date.

Beyond his work in the automotive industry and recent election to Congress, Kelly served as a Butler City Councilman, as well as on the boards of the Housing Authority of Butler County, the Redevelopment Authority of Butler County and the Moraine Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

In 2010, Kelly successfully campaigned for a seat in Pennsylvannia’s third congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. Kelly currently serves on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the Education and Workforce Committee and the Committee on Foreign Affairs.